We are in Kelowna.

Saturday April 17, 2010

We arrived in Kelowna yesterday afternoon after a peaceful uneventful drive from Lake Chelan.  We were amazed once again by the amount of orchards along the way.  The day was sunny with a minimal amount of wind so that was perfect. 

We had an unusual border crossing with no problems.  The Canadian border guard didn’t ask to see our passports (in Eric’s hand), asked where we lived and how long we had been away(didn’t ask where we had wintered) wanted to know how much alcohol we had (I fudged a little!) asked how much the cost of goods coming back were worth (I said less than $500 – another fudge)  asked if I had any fruit or vegetables (I said no fruit but a little veggies) he said next time no veggies but we could have citrus ( I apologized) bye, bye and that was it!  Sweet!  Unusual that he didn’t want to see the passports or know where we had been. 

On our way to Kelowna from Osoyoos we passed by Penticton and as we made our left turn we heard a honk and a van pulled up beside us.  Guess who, Fraser Sutherland from Terrace with daughter Tanis etc. …. heading into Penticton.  Too funny, did I ever mention it is a small world!  When we were in the Beebe Bridge Park the night before we met a guy named Art (Dakota…spelling?) who now lives in Kelowna but who had lived in Kitimat till l968 moved to Mackenzie etc. etc. and had just been on a trip up north to Terrace, Smithers and Hazelton.  Still has relatives there and knew people that Eric and I did.  Again, small world. 

We spent a nice warm late afternoon in Ian and Linda’s backyard, had a yummy dinner and were in bed early. 

Today Linda and I made the garden centre rounds and had a look at plants.  It is still early spring in Kelowna so the garden center’s are just getting going.  A bought a few things to replace some things lost last winter. We took a nice walk and looked at all the mondo houses being built down by the lake.  Nice old houses are torn down and huge monstrosities are built in their place.  Too big,decadent and often don’t fit the neighborhood but there is a lot of money in Kelowna so I guess that’s what happens.  Sad because the development here is out of control. 

Tomorrow I will hook up with sister Anne and maybe Elisa before we head to the coast on Monday. 

Sunday, April 18, 2010

I had a chat with sister Elisa this morning (she was visiting Anne) and then headed up to Anne’s for a visit.  We had a nice lunch and then went to Bylands nursery for a look.  Lots of beautiful trees, shrubs etc. but all a bit pricey.  The trees are often ones you can’t get in Terrace but the rest of it is available at other nurseries cheaper.  I had been interested in a Katsura tree so I had a look at those and I may buy one, not sure yet.  Tomorrow we head for the coast to see Mom and visit with other relatives. 

We had a nice dinner with Jason (Ian’s son) and his wife Deb and their daughter Ella ( a real cutie who will be 2 in August.)  Fun.  Off to bed for the trip tomorrow.

Monday April 19, 2010

We left Kelowna in nice weather and had a relaxing drive to Hope where we got fuel and had a picnic lunch.  A pretty, quiet little spot with lots of old buildings nestled by the river and mountains and since it was a warm day, very pleasant.  The drive from Hope to Vancouver starts to busy up around Abbotsford and is very busy the rest of the way in.  As the traffic really needs three or four lanes and only has two it is always a bit stressful.  Too many people and too few roads.  We arrived at Brian and Fran’s around 3:30 and the weather was lovely.  Good chat, happy hour and then Eric and Brian when to get Mom from New Westminster for dinner.  Brian cooked, Fran did her part with salad and it was a really great dinner and we were all pleasantly stuffed.  A really nice evening.  Tomorrow Brian and Eric will head to the boat, I will see sister Joy and poor Fran will have to work as she has a deadline to meet.  Since she works from home I will leave her in peace!